Let’s have some fun with layering! Layering is a fantastic way to stay warmer, which is important this time of year. Plus, layering adds more visual interest to your outfits, which is totally a win. If you want some inspiration for layered looks, today I’m sharing 5 outfit formulas to give you ideas for layering to look stylish with layers. Plus, I’m sharing a few outfit examples for each outfit formula. Get ready to see 13 outfits with layering that you can copy this month!
SIZING: I’m 5’6″ and usually S/M or 6 in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes.
1. Printed Top + Sweater
First up is a printed top under a sweater. The top underneath could be a casual t-shirt, a nicer blouse, or a plaid flannel—just depends on how casual or dressy you want it to be.
My personal favorite types of top to use are either a striped tee or a relaxed plaid button-up.
Above is an example of the outfit formula with a striped tee underneath. This PMT fan-favorite twist top is a great match for a striped tee, thanks to the knot bringing up the hem a bit and exposing more of the stripes.
Shop the Outfit:
Striped Top: c/o JCPenney (similar, similar)
Twist Fleece: Nordstrom (exact in other colors—wearing size XS, runs large, similar, similar)
Jeans: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 4)
Shoes: Nordstrom (similar in Cognac Imsu, similar)
Tote: Nordstrom (exact)
Necklace: c/o Dear Mushka (exact)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact—wearing size M)
Here’s another example of a printed top + sweater using a printed blouse. Also, remember, you can do this with a plaid button up as well.
TIP: If rolling up your sleeves a bit won’t make your arms freeze off, do it! And let the print pop out from under the sleeves of the sweater. Check out my post How to Roll Up Layered Sleeves for a tutorial!
Shop the Outfit:
Coat: c/o J.Crew Factory (exact—wearing size 4)
Sweater: c/o J.Crew Factory (exact—wearing size S, similar in Camel Heather)
Shirt: c/o J.Crew Factory (similar)
Jeans: c/o J.Crew Factory (exact—wearing size 27, similar)
Boots: Lucky Brand via Nordstrom (similar)
Bag: Nordstrom (similar)
Necklace: c/o Dear Mushka (exact)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (similar color—I wear size M)
2. Printed Top + Sweater + Vest
This takes the previous outfit formula and adds a vest on top for another layer and extra warmth!
Shop the Outfit:
Top: (similar, similar)
Sweater: (similar in Camel Heather)
Vest: J.Crew Factory (similar, similar)
Jeans: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 6, similar)
Boots: Nordstrom (similar)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (similar color—I wear size M)
Here’s another version of pretty much the same outfit, using a striped tee + sweater + jeans + tall boots. You can, however, do this with another top underneath as well, like a plaid button up or chambray shirt.
Shop the Outfit:
Sweater: J.Crew Factory (exact—wearing size S, similar)
Top: (similar, similar)
Vest: J.Crew Factory (similar, similar)
Jeans: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 4)
Boots: Lucky Brand via Nordstrom (similar)
Tote: Nordstrom (exact)
Necklace: c/o Dear Mushka (exact)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact—wearing size M)
3. Shirt + Completer Piece + Chunky Scarf
This is another great one! Take an outfit with any solid colored shirt + a completer piece (often a cardigan for me) and throw a blanket scarf over it for an extra layer to stay warmer. With all the other pieces being solid colors, you’re making the blanket scarf the focal point of the outfit.
Here, I’m wearing a plain white tunic with my favorite leggings and a long cardigan. The blanket scarf helps anchor the outfit.
This is my most versatile white tunic from the last several years, BTW. I love it because it has a fantastic drape, so it hangs on your body well. It’s tunic length, so it is super long. But, because it drapes so well, you can do a partial front tuck with it really easily, as it will lay flat against you instead of sticking out awkwardly from the side view. See the many ways I’ve worn this tunic HERE.
Shop the Outfit:
Top: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size M)
Cardigan: Nordstrom (similar)
Leggings: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size M)
Scarf: Nordstrom (almost identical in Black)
Boots: Nordstrom (similar)
Bag: Nordstrom (similar)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (similar color—I wear size M)
In this outfit, I threw a colored blanket scarf over a chambray button up shirt, black jeans, and a long cardigan. I love how the blanket scarf elevates these plain, basic pieces!
Shop the Outfit:
Top: Nordstrom (similar, similar)
Cardigan: (similar)
Jeans: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size 6, similar)
Scarf: (almost identical in Camel)
Shoes: Nordstrom (similar)
Tote: Sole Society (similar)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (similar color—I wear size M)
Last, here is the outfit formula with an olive t-shirt and a blazer. You can do it with any completer piece!
Need help with how to tie a blanket scarf? Check out my quick, 1-minute video HERE.
Shop the Outfit:
Tee: Nordstrom (exact in other colors—I wear size S, similar in Olive)
Blazer: Nordstrom (similar—I wear size XS)
Jeans: Nordstrom (similar)
Scarf: Nordstrom (almost identical in Black)
Shoes: Nordstrom (similar in Cognac Imsu, similar)
Tote: Nordstrom (exact)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact–wearing size M)
4. Sweater + Vest
Another layering formula is a sweater with a vest. You can do it with jeans, or you can do it with leggings and a longer tunic-length sweater.
I used to think vests were pointless because they didn’t have sleeves. 😆 But, they’re great for several reasons. One, don’t underestimate the power of keeping your core warm. Two, if you want an extra layer but a jacket isn’t necessary, a vest is the perfect in-between. Sometimes you want an extra layer, but a jacket is overkill, and a sweater is odd with a cardigan, so a vest is a great option since it has some structure.
Above is a cozy outfit with a longer tunic-length sweater, leggings, and a quilted vest. It’s super easy and comfy to wear!
Shop the Outfit:
Sweater: c/o Nordstrom (similar in Burgundy)
Vest: J.Crew Factory (similar, similar)
Leggings: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size M)
Boots: Amazon (exact—wearing size 8)
Tote: Sole Society (similar)
Necklace: c/o Dear Mushka (exact)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (similar color—I wear size M)
Here’s another example of a longer sweater with leggings, this time using a fuzzy vest instead of a quilted vest.
Shop the Outfit:
Sweater: Nordstrom (similar, similar—I wear size S)
Vest: Nordstrom (similar in Khaki, similar in Khaki)
Leggings: Nordstrom (exact—wearing size M)
Boots: Naturalizer via DSW (similar in Mushroom, similar in Taupe)
Tote: Sole Society (similar)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (similar color—I wear size M)
Aaaand, here’s one more example, this time with jeans and booties. This vest is the same as the one in the previous outfit, just turned inside out since it’s reversible. The exact one I’m wearing is currently not available, but there is a nearly identical one available HERE in the color Khaki. (Make sure it’s the color Khaki. Some of the other vests look nothing like this one.)
Shop the Outfit:
Top: Nordstrom (exact in other colors—wearing size XS, runs large, similar)
Vest: Nordstrom (similar in Khaki, similar in Khaki, similar in Oatmeal Heather)
Jeans: Old Navy (similar)
Shoes: Lucky Brand (similar)
Tote: Nordstrom (exact)
Necklace: Nordstrom (similar)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact—wearing size M)
5. Dress + Cardigan + Tights + Boots
Last is a layered look with a dress! A long cardigan and tights help for sure (especially fleece-lined tights), but what is also extra helpful for keeping you warm is tall boots. They are seriously helpful for staying warmer!
If you want some tips for making dresses warmer, check out my post 5 Tips for Wearing Dresses in the Winter.
Below are a couple more outfits using this outfit formula.
Shop the Outfit:
Dress: Amazon (exact—wearing size M in Emerald/Pale Blue Delicate Floral)
Cardigan: Nordstrom (similar)
Tights: Old Navy (similar)
Boots: Lucky Brand via Nordstrom (similar)
Tote: J.Crew Factory (similar)
Necklace: c/o Dear Mushka (exact)
Earrings: Nickel & Suede (exact—wearing size M)
Shop the Outfit:
Dress: Target (similar in Black/White Dot)
Cardigan: Nordstrom (similar in Deep Red, similar in B2-wine Red)
Fleece Lined Tights: Macy’s (similar, similar)
Boots: Lucky Brand via Nordstrom (similar)
Tote: Sole Society (similar)
Necklace: c/o Dear Mushka (exact)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (similar color—I wear size M)
Shop the Outfit:
Dress: LOFT (similar)
Cardigan: Nordstrom (similar, similar)
Fleece Lined Tights: Macy’s (similar, similar)
Shoes: Kohl’s (similar, similar)
Bag: Sole Society (similar)
Necklace: c/o Dear Mushka (exact)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (similar color)
That’s it! I hope that gives you some ideas for layered looks to help you feel warmer and stylish this season!
If you want more help with cold weather dressing, check out How to Stay Warm in the Winter While Trying to Look Cute!
Do you have any favorite ways to layer?
Hey, hey! Did you hear? The Winter Starter Kit Checklist is now available! If you want a quick list to start a mix and match winter wardrobe, download the free checklist by filling out the form below. This list easily turns into 14+ outfits!
